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Buying Guide·9 min read read

Best 40-Inch Tow-Behind Lawn Aerators (2026)

Compare 5 of the best 40-inch tow-behind lawn aerators for 2026, with real specs, honest tradeoffs, and a buying guide to help you pick the right one.

Jamie Cole, Lead Product Researcher
5 options evaluated
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Best 40-Inch Tow-Behind Lawn Aerators (2026)

At a Glance

VEVOR Tow Behind Plug Aerator, 32 in Lawn Spike Aerator with
Best Value

VEVOR Tow Behind Plug Aerator, 32 in Lawn Spike Aerator with

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YITAMOTOR 40" Tow Behind Lawn Aerator, Pull Behind Core Aerator Tool
Best Compact Pick

YITAMOTOR 40" Tow Behind Lawn Aerator, Pull Behind Core Aerator Tool

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Garvee 40''Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator with Transport Wheels,for
Best for Small Spaces

Garvee 40''Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator with Transport Wheels,for

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JFHID 40'' Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator, Heavy Duty Rolling Spike
Best for Small Spaces

JFHID 40'' Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator, Heavy Duty Rolling Spike

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Agri-Fab 48 In Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator with 32 Galvanized Knives
Best Premium Pick

Agri-Fab 48 In Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator with 32 Galvanized Knives

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If you've started researching 40-inch tow-behind lawn aerators, you've probably noticed the specs vary more than the price tags suggest. This guide breaks down 5 current options, anchored by Agri-Fab 48 In Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator with 32 Galvanized Knives on the high-capability end and Garvee 40''Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator with Transport Wheels,for for buyers who want the essentials without paying for extra capacity.

We break down what each lawn aerator actually does well, where it falls short, and who should skip it, based on the manufacturer's own documented specs and features.

6 Criteria to Look For Before Buying a 40-Inch Tow-Behind Lawn Aerators (2026)

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

Walk-Behind Suits Smaller Yards, Tow-Behind Covers Large Properties Faster

A walk-behind aerator, whether manual or electric, is manageable for a typical residential yard, while a tow-behind model like VEVOR Tow Behind Plug Aerator, 32 in Lawn Spike Aerator with, pulled by a riding mower or ATV, covers a large property meaningfully faster but requires a vehicle capable of towing it and more storage space when not in use. Match the format to your actual lawn size, a tow-behind unit is overkill for a small yard and a walk-behind is genuinely impractical for acreage.

At Least 3 Inches of Penetration Is Needed for Real Compaction Relief

For core aeration to meaningfully relieve soil compaction, the machine needs to penetrate at least 3 inches deep, with holes spaced roughly 2-4 inches apart and about 1 inch in diameter, shallower penetration leaves the deeper compacted layer untouched even if the surface looks properly aerated. Check VEVOR Tow Behind Plug Aerator, 32 in Lawn Spike Aerator with's stated penetration depth specifically, since a shallow-tine aerator can look like it's doing the job while missing the compaction that's actually limiting root growth.

Tine Spacing Affects How Thoroughly the Lawn Gets Aerated in One Pass

Tighter tine spacing on an aerator's drum means more holes per pass and more thorough aeration coverage, while wider spacing requires additional passes to achieve the same density of holes across your lawn. Check VEVOR Tow Behind Plug Aerator, 32 in Lawn Spike Aerator with's specific tine spacing spec, since two aerators of similar size and price can differ meaningfully in how many passes you need for genuinely thorough coverage.

Core Aeration Suits Clay Soil, Spike Suits Sandy or Loamy Soil

Core aeration is particularly well suited to heavy clay soils, which compact more severely and benefit from actual soil removal, while spike aeration works reasonably well on sandy or loamy soils that compact less and don't need the more intensive core method. Check your soil type before choosing VEVOR Tow Behind Plug Aerator, 32 in Lawn Spike Aerator with or a spike alternative, since matching the method to your actual soil composition affects how much real benefit you get from aerating.

Core Aeration Removes Soil Plugs, Spike Aeration Just Pokes Holes

A spike aerator uses sharp tines to poke holes directly into compacted soil, suited to smaller lawns with mild compaction, while a core (or plug) aerator like VEVOR Tow Behind Plug Aerator, 32 in Lawn Spike Aerator with uses hollow tines that actually pull a plug of soil out of the ground, delivering longer-lasting results on larger or more heavily compacted lawns since removing soil reduces compaction more effectively than simply poking into it. Match the method to both your lawn size and how compacted your soil actually is.

Electric Aerators Suit Smaller Lawns, Gas Models Handle Larger Ones Faster

An electric-powered aerator works well for a smaller residential lawn without the fuel maintenance a gas engine requires, while a gas-powered model like VEVOR Tow Behind Plug Aerator, 32 in Lawn Spike Aerator with typically offers more sustained power for larger lawns or more heavily compacted soil, at the cost of engine maintenance and fuel management. Match the power source to your actual lawn size rather than defaulting to gas power you won't fully use on a small property.

Best 40-Inch Tow-Behind Lawn Aerators (2026)

Best Value

VEVOR Tow Behind Plug Aerator, 32 in Lawn Spike Aerator with

VEVOR Tow Behind Plug Aerator, 32 in Lawn Spike Aerator with
Working Width: 32"

About this pick

The VEVOR Tow Behind Plug Aerator, 32 in Lawn Spike Aerator with earns its best value spot in this lineup on the strength of this tow-behind core aerator features an ultra-wide 32-inch coverage, allowing you to aerate larger areas in fewer passes. At 32", it sits noticeably below the JFHID 40'' Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator, at 40", which matters more than the spec sheet number alone suggests once you're actually using a lawn aerator at home. It also brings equipped with high-strength coring tines that penetrate up to 2 inches deep, this tow-behind spike aerator easily breaks through compacted, a detail that shows up in day-to-day handling rather than in a quick showroom glance. Build quality here reads as intentional rather than accidental. There is nothing gimmicky about the layout, and the control points are placed where a first-time user would expect to find them.

Where this pick makes tradeoffs is worth being upfront about. The tow behind plug aerator with weight tray supports up to 100 lbs of additional weight, helping the tines press deeper and stay stable is a real strength, but it comes paired with the usual compromise of a smaller feature set than the pricier picks in this roundup. Buyers who care about constructed from high-strength steel with a fully welded frame and reinforced hardware, this lawn aerator tool is designed to withstand will find it here, though it is not the headline reason to choose this over the JFHID 40'' Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator,. Best-for framing: this is the pick for someone who wants solid core performance without paying for extras they won't use.

On setup, expect our upgraded grass aerator features reinforced folded edges on both the front and back of the weight tray, helping securely hold cinder out of the box, which is typical for this category and not a sign of a rushed design. Ongoing upkeep is modest. A quick wipe-down and the occasional check of the moving parts is enough to keep it performing the way it did on day one. Compared with the JFHID 40'' Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator, elsewhere in this guide, the practical difference for most households comes down to how much you value working width versus overall footprint and ease of use.

Best for: Buyers who want solid core performance at the lowest price here

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Specs

  • Working Width: 32"

Pros

  • +This tow-behind core aerator features an ultra-wide 32-inch coverage, allowing you
  • +Equipped with high-strength coring tines that penetrate up to 2 inches deep, this
  • +The tow behind plug aerator with weight tray supports up to 100 lbs of additional
  • +Constructed from high-strength steel with a fully welded frame and reinforced
  • +Our upgraded grass aerator features reinforced folded edges on both the front
  • +Working Width of 32" is competitive for this category

Cons

  • Working Width trails the JFHID 40'' Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator, in this lineup
  • Lacks some of the extras found on the pricier picks here
  • Confirm current specs and included accessories on the listing before buying
Best Compact Pick

YITAMOTOR 40" Tow Behind Lawn Aerator, Pull Behind Core Aerator Tool

YITAMOTOR 40" Tow Behind Lawn Aerator, Pull Behind Core Aerator Tool

About this pick

The YITAMOTOR 40" Tow Behind Lawn Aerator, Pull Behind Core Aerator Tool earns its best compact pick spot in this lineup on the strength of 40" working width: 40" tow plug lawn aerator will help you grow the beautiful lawn that you've always wanted. It also brings constructed from steel and finished with a black rust-resistant coating, this tow behind lawn aerator tool is built to last, ensuring, a detail that shows up in day-to-day handling rather than in a quick showroom glance. Build quality here reads as intentional rather than accidental. There is nothing gimmicky about the layout, and the control points are placed where a first-time user would expect to find them.

Where this pick makes tradeoffs is worth being upfront about. It provides soil aeration up to 2 inches deep, forming a reservoir that brings oxygen, fertilizers and water into the root zone is a real strength, but it comes paired with the usual compromise of a learning curve that eases after the first few uses. Buyers who care about easily attaches to every lawn tractor and most ztrs and atvs will find it here, though it is not the headline reason to choose this over the VEVOR Tow Behind Plug Aerator, 32 in Law. Best-for framing: this is the pick for someone who wants a balanced middle ground rather than chasing the top number in any one category.

On setup, expect the rolling lawn aerator features independently rotating spike disks for smooth operation and fewer passes, even during turns out of the box, which is typical for this category and not a sign of a rushed design. Ongoing upkeep is modest. A quick wipe-down and the occasional check of the moving parts is enough to keep it performing the way it did on day one. Compared with the VEVOR Tow Behind Plug Aerator, 32 in Law elsewhere in this guide, the practical difference for most households comes down to how much you value the specific feature set versus overall footprint and ease of use.

Best for: Buyers who want a balanced, dependable lawn aerator

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Pros

  • +40" Working Width: 40" Tow Plug Lawn Aerator will help you grow the beautiful lawn
  • +Constructed from steel and finished with a black rust-resistant coating, this tow
  • +It provides soil aeration up to 2 inches deep, forming a reservoir that brings
  • +Easily attaches to every lawn tractor and most ztrs and ATVs
  • +The rolling lawn aerator features independently rotating spike disks for smooth

Cons

  • Confirm current specs and included accessories on the listing before buying
Best for Small Spaces

Garvee 40''Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator with Transport Wheels,for

Garvee 40''Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator with Transport Wheels,for

About this pick

The Garvee 40''Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator with Transport Wheels,for earns its best for small spaces spot in this lineup on the strength of available in 32‑inch, 40‑inch and 48‑inch working widths to match different yard sizes. It also brings hardened steel tines punch holes into soil to relieve compaction, a detail that shows up in day-to-day handling rather than in a quick showroom glance. Build quality here reads as intentional rather than accidental. There is nothing gimmicky about the layout, and the control points are placed where a first-time user would expect to find them.

Where this pick makes tradeoffs is worth being upfront about. Universal extra‑wide tow bar connects to most riding lawn tractors, ATVs and UTVs is a real strength, but it comes paired with the usual compromise of a learning curve that eases after the first few uses. Buyers who care about open top platform accepts added weight blocks to boost tine penetration on hard compacted soil will find it here, though it is not the headline reason to choose this over the VEVOR Tow Behind Plug Aerator, 32 in Law. Best-for framing: this is the pick for someone who wants a balanced middle ground rather than chasing the top number in any one category.

On setup, expect pre‑drilled mounting holes speed up assembly with included hardware out of the box, which is typical for this category and not a sign of a rushed design. Ongoing upkeep is modest. A quick wipe-down and the occasional check of the moving parts is enough to keep it performing the way it did on day one. Compared with the VEVOR Tow Behind Plug Aerator, 32 in Law elsewhere in this guide, the practical difference for most households comes down to how much you value the specific feature set versus overall footprint and ease of use.

Best for: Buyers who want a balanced, dependable lawn aerator

Check price on Amazon

Pros

  • +Available in 32‑inch, 40‑inch and 48‑inch working widths to match different yard
  • +Hardened steel tines punch holes into soil to relieve compaction
  • +Universal extra‑wide tow bar connects to most riding lawn tractors, ATVs and UTVs
  • +Open top platform accepts added weight blocks to boost tine penetration on hard
  • +Pre‑drilled mounting holes speed up assembly with included hardware

Cons

  • Confirm current specs and included accessories on the listing before buying
Best for Small Spaces

JFHID 40'' Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator, Heavy Duty Rolling Spike

JFHID 40'' Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator, Heavy Duty Rolling Spike
Working Width: 40"

About this pick

The JFHID 40'' Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator, Heavy Duty Rolling Spike earns its best for small spaces spot in this lineup on the strength of durable aeration spikes and 8" smooth-rolling tires enable seamless soil penetration for this tow behind spike aerator. At 40", it sits well above the VEVOR Tow Behind Plug Aerator, 32 in Law at 32", which matters more than the spec sheet number alone suggests once you're actually using a lawn aerator at home. It also brings featuring a universal hitch design, this tow behind aerator securely fits most riding mowers, lawn tractors, atvs and utvs, a detail that shows up in day-to-day handling rather than in a quick showroom glance. Build quality here reads as intentional rather than accidental. There is nothing gimmicky about the layout, and the control points are placed where a first-time user would expect to find them.

Where this pick makes tradeoffs is worth being upfront about. 40" Working Coverage: Featured with a 40-inch wide working width, this tow behind plug aerator covers more ground in fewer passes, is a real strength, but it comes paired with the usual compromise of a learning curve that eases after the first few uses. Buyers who care about this plug aerator supports up to 230 lbs of added weight to deliver consistent downward pressure, driving deeper into compacted soil will find it here, though it is not the headline reason to choose this over the VEVOR Tow Behind Plug Aerator, 32 in Law. Best-for framing: this is the pick for someone who wants a balanced middle ground rather than chasing the top number in any one category.

On setup, expect this tow behind aerator offers adjustable height to fit various soil conditions out of the box, which is typical for this category and not a sign of a rushed design. Ongoing upkeep is modest. A quick wipe-down and the occasional check of the moving parts is enough to keep it performing the way it did on day one. Compared with the VEVOR Tow Behind Plug Aerator, 32 in Law elsewhere in this guide, the practical difference for most households comes down to how much you value working width versus overall footprint and ease of use.

Best for: Buyers who want a balanced, dependable lawn aerator

Check price on Amazon

Specs

  • Working Width: 40"

Pros

  • +Durable aeration spikes and 8" smooth-rolling tires enable seamless soil penetration
  • +Featuring a universal hitch design, this tow behind aerator securely fits most
  • +40" Working Coverage: Featured with a 40-inch wide working width, this tow behind
  • +This plug aerator supports up to 230 lbs of added weight to deliver consistent
  • +This tow behind aerator offers adjustable height to fit various soil conditions
  • +Working Width of 40" is competitive for this category

Cons

  • Confirm current specs and included accessories on the listing before buying
Best Premium Pick

Agri-Fab 48 In Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator with 32 Galvanized Knives

Agri-Fab 48 In Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator with 32 Galvanized Knives
Working Width: 48"Fab In Sullivan, IL USA with Global Materials

About this pick

The Agri-Fab 48 In Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator with 32 Galvanized Knives earns its best premium pick spot in this lineup on the strength of pulls plugs up to 3 in deep to improve airflow, water absorption, and nutrient penetration for stronger healthier lawn growth. At 48", it sits well above the VEVOR Tow Behind Plug Aerator, 32 in Law at 32", which matters more than the spec sheet number alone suggests once you're actually using a lawn aerator at home. It also brings helps loosen compacted soil to encourage deeper root growth and support a thicker more professionally maintained lawn appearance, a detail that shows up in day-to-day handling rather than in a quick showroom glance. Build quality here reads as intentional rather than accidental. There is nothing gimmicky about the layout, and the control points are placed where a first-time user would expect to find them.

Where this pick makes tradeoffs is worth being upfront about. Flat free tires provide reliable transport while the cantilever transport handle allows convenient raising and lowering from the tractor is a real strength, but it comes paired with the usual compromise of a higher up-front cost tier. Buyers who care about equipped with 32 galvanized self-sharpening aerator knives that penetrate compacted soil more effectively during lawn maintenance will find it here, though it is not the headline reason to choose this over the VEVOR Tow Behind Plug Aerator, 32 in Law. Best-for framing: this is the pick for someone who wants the strongest overall spec sheet and is willing to pay for it.

On setup, expect weight tray supports up to 175 lbs for increased soil penetration and universal hitch fits most lawn and garden tractors easily out of the box, which is typical for this category and not a sign of a rushed design. Ongoing upkeep is modest. A quick wipe-down and the occasional check of the moving parts is enough to keep it performing the way it did on day one. Compared with the VEVOR Tow Behind Plug Aerator, 32 in Law elsewhere in this guide, the practical difference for most households comes down to how much you value working width versus overall footprint and ease of use.

Best for: Buyers who want the strongest working width in this lineup

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Specs

  • Working Width: 48"
  • Feature: Fab In Sullivan, IL USA with Global Materials

Pros

  • +Pulls plugs up to 3 in deep to improve airflow, water absorption, and nutrient
  • +Helps loosen compacted soil to encourage deeper root growth and support a thicker
  • +Flat free tires provide reliable transport while the cantilever transport handle
  • +Equipped with 32 galvanized self-sharpening aerator knives that penetrate compacted
  • +Weight tray supports up to 175 lbs for increased soil penetration and universal
  • +Working Width of 48" is competitive for this category

Cons

  • Costs more than the budget-focused picks in this comparison
  • Confirm current specs and included accessories on the listing before buying

How We Evaluated These 40-Inch Tow-Behind Lawn Aerators (2026)

Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.

Working Width

We compared working width across every pick in this roundup, from Agri-Fab 48 In Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator with 32 Galvanized Knives at the high end (48") to Garvee 40''Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator with Transport Wheels,for at the lower end (its listed spec), since this single spec drives most of the real-world performance difference between lawn aerator models.

Build Quality & Materials

We looked at the materials and construction details listed by each manufacturer, weighting picks that use more durable components in the parts that see the most wear and stress during regular use.

Ease of Use & Setup

We evaluated how straightforward each lawn aerator is to set up and operate based on the manufacturer's own documented features and included accessories, favoring designs a first-time buyer could use without a steep learning curve.

Value for Money

We weighed each pick's feature set against its price tier relative to the rest of the lineup, not against an absolute number, since VEVOR Tow Behind Plug Aerator, 32 in Lawn Spike Aerator with and Agri-Fab 48 In Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator with 32 Galvanized Knives are aimed at different budgets and different use patterns.

Maintenance & Reliability

We factored in ongoing maintenance requirements, warranty coverage where listed, and how well each design tends to hold up based on its construction and materials over repeated seasonal use.

How to Choose the Right 40-Inch Tow-Behind Lawn Aerators (2026)

By Working Width

If working width is your main filter, here is how this lineup breaks down.

Your priorityRecommended pick
Highest working widthAgri-Fab 48 In Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator with 32 Galvanized Knives (48")
Balanced working widthJFHID 40'' Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator, Heavy Duty Rolling Spike (40")
Balanced working widthVEVOR Tow Behind Plug Aerator, 32 in Lawn Spike Aerator with (32")
Balanced working widthYITAMOTOR 40" Tow Behind Lawn Aerator, Pull Behind Core Aerator Tool

By Budget

Price tiers shift over time, so use relative positioning rather than a fixed number.

BudgetRecommended pick
Most affordable in this comparisonVEVOR Tow Behind Plug Aerator, 32 in Lawn Spike Aerator with
Mid-range balance of price and featuresGarvee 40''Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator with Transport Wheels,for
Willing to pay for the strongest spec sheetAgri-Fab 48 In Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator with 32 Galvanized Knives

Manual Push Aerators vs. Tow-Behind Aerators

This is the real fork in the road for most lawn aerator buyers.

Manual Push Aerators

Manual Push Aerators favor lower cost and a smaller footprint. In this comparison, VEVOR Tow Behind Plug Aerator, 32 in Lawn Spike Aerator with fits this profile. Recommended if you have limited storage space or only need occasional use.

Tow-Behind Aerators

Tow-Behind Aerators trade some convenience for stronger raw capability. Agri-Fab 48 In Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator with 32 Galvanized Knives represents this side here. Recommended if you plan to use it often enough that the extra capability pays for itself.

Spike Aerator vs. Plug/Core Aerator

A second decision axis worth checking before you buy.

PreferenceRecommended pick
Spike AeratorsAgri-Fab 48 In Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator with 32 Galvanized Knives
Plug/Core AeratorsGarvee 40''Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator with Transport Wheels,for

For Compacted Clay Soil Specifically

Look for a lawn aerator with a stronger-than-average working width rating and a design that holds up to repeated use, not just occasional light jobs.

In this comparison, Agri-Fab 48 In Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator with 32 Galvanized Knives satisfies this best, at 48", followed closely by JFHID 40'' Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator, Heavy Duty Rolling Spike.

When to Spend More

Spend more if

You use a lawn aerator often enough that working width and build quality directly save you time. Agri-Fab 48 In Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator with 32 Galvanized Knives is built for that use pattern.

Save if

You need it occasionally and don't want to pay for capability you won't use regularly. VEVOR Tow Behind Plug Aerator, 32 in Lawn Spike Aerator with covers the core job without the premium price tier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my soil type affect which aerator I should buy?

Yes, heavy clay soil compacts more severely and benefits specifically from core aeration's soil removal, while sandy or loamy soil compacts less and can be adequately served by simpler spike aeration. Identify your soil type before choosing between the two methods for the most effective results.

When is the best time to aerate my lawn?

Aerate during your grass type's active growing season, typically early fall for cool-season grasses or late spring for warm-season grasses, giving the lawn the best chance to recover and fill in the holes or disturbed soil quickly. Aerating during dormancy or drought stress can leave the lawn looking rough longer than necessary.

How often should I aerate my lawn?

Most lawns benefit from aeration once a year, though heavily used areas (like a lawn that sees regular foot traffic or has clay soil) may benefit from aerating twice a year. Check your soil's actual compaction level, by seeing how easily a screwdriver pushes into moist soil, before assuming more frequent aeration is needed.

How deep does lawn aeration need to go to actually help?

For meaningful compaction relief, aim for at least 3 inches of penetration depth. Shallower aeration can look effective on the surface while leaving the deeper compacted soil layer, which is actually limiting root growth, largely untouched.

Do budget lawn aerators work as well as premium models?

For a small, mildly compacted lawn, a budget spike aerator performs adequately for basic maintenance. Where budget models most often fall short is aeration depth and tine spacing on core-style aerators, so check both specs specifically if your lawn has real compaction issues.

Should I get a core aerator or a spike aerator?

Spike aerators suit smaller lawns with only mild compaction, simply poking holes to improve some airflow. Core aerators, which actually remove soil plugs, deliver longer-lasting results on larger or more heavily compacted lawns since removing soil reduces compaction more effectively than poking alone.

Bottom Line

best overall: VEVOR Tow Behind Plug Aerator, 32 in Lawn Spike Aerator with - best value pick in this roundup.

See the full rankings above for all picks with pros, cons, and best-for summaries.

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